Great Hearts Texas

The board meeting commenced with the verification of a quorum. Presentations were delivered by Headmaster Mr. Broen of Irving Lower School, detailing the significant growth, cultural lift, and academic achievements following the school's relocation to a new facility, including the successful implementation of curricular realignments like Singapore Primary Mathematics. Following this, Upper School Headmaster Dr. Dyer spoke on the core mission focused on classical education, the pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty, and the success of the Upper School, evidenced by significant college scholarship earnings and high faculty educational attainment. The meeting then moved to public comments, which included the reading of pre-submitted written comments and subsequent oral comments from registered virtual attendees regarding board member selection criteria.

This District Improvement Plan outlines the strategic direction for Great Hearts Texas for the 2025-2026 academic year. The plan focuses on three main goals: increasing student achievement on state tests, providing a safe environment for all stakeholders, and strengthening family perceptions of academy culture and partnership. It aims to prepare students for a lifelong pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty through a liberal arts foundation.

The board meeting included opening remarks and a period for public comments, where written and oral feedback was received and reviewed. The board approved a comprehensive consent agenda covering several items, including resolutions amending enrollment policy, authorizing a charter expansion amendment, updating banking signers, and approving policies and academic calendars. The Conservator provided a progress report emphasizing support for student outcomes and operational effectiveness. The Superintendent's report covered academic updates, noting strong ELA performance but areas needing math support, as well as positive enrollment trends, improved absenteeism, successful safety audits, and a year-over-year revenue increase leading to a small surplus, although medical benefit expenses remain a concern. A required annual public hearing was held to review the Charter FIRST rating, resulting in an 'A' (Superior Achievement) rating based on FY2024 results. The session included discussions in executive session regarding legal matters, conservator/HR compliance, and disciplinary action, leading to unanimous votes to uphold an expulsion and approve an extension and renegotiation of the Nova Agreement. The Board also noted future planning for addressing a requirement related to prayer or religious text reading in schools.

Key discussions during the meeting included welcoming the Superintendent back, receiving introductory remarks and updates from the Headmaster of Monte Vista North, and managing public comments. The board approved the Consent Agenda, which included minutes from the September 18, 2025 meeting, the Great Hearts America - Texas Student Activities Policy, and the Statement of Compliance with Section 28.0022 of the Texas Education Code. The Conservator reported on ongoing HR practice reviews and compliance efforts regarding background checks for personnel. The Superintendent provided updates on compliance regarding contractor fingerprinting, resolution of a Special Education corrective action, the plan for solidifying Upper Schools through key academic and operational initiatives, and the smooth progress of Open Enrollment 2026-27. An operations update covered the successful outcome of the Texas Department of Agriculture meal program audit and progress on TEA safety intruder audits. The Financial Audit Report noted one significant deficiency related to expense recognition, which management confirmed was resolved. A financial update for FY26 detailed revenue trends, expense fluctuations, balance sheet movements, and finalization of the HB2 Teacher Retention Allotment eligibility. The board entered and exited an Executive Session to discuss legal and conservator matters, and subsequently approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Great Hearts America and a Board Resolution concerning compliance with specific Texas Education Code sections.

The meeting included an opening welcome, public comment session, and approval of the Consent Agenda, which covered revisions to the Enrollment Policy, TEKS Certification and Allotment Survey Ratification, updated Special Education Policies 6.3 and 6.16, and a Credit Line Increase. A report on the Conservator progress noted that HR changes required by the TEA were made, but the Conservator will remain to oversee HR functions and support matters like the Nova contract. The Superintendent's Report covered upcoming TEA audits, safety programs, legislative session topics (facilities funding, teacher raises, incentives, security, SPED funds), and operational updates. Academic discussions included survey results, training initiatives, and performance data review, which was followed by a public hearing on the TAPR 2024 Review, covering graduation rates and STAAR performance. The Finance Update reviewed YTD financials and the FY26 Proposed Enrollment. The session concluded with an Executive Session to discuss legal matters, conservator issues, real property valuation, security audits, and discipline of a public school child. Action items approved included SOPs, the declaration of Cedar Park, TX property as surplus for sale authorization, and approval of the NOVA state affiliate Great Hearts Texas Direct Services Contract.